Dog Mountain was our first hike in a series of summer hikes for 2014. The initial climb is pretty steep no matter which trail you start on (i.e. you can start on either Dog Mountain Trail or Augsperger Mountain Trail). We opted for Augsperger, since the incline is a little more gradual, and descended via Dog Mountain Trail. According to Paul Gerald, you get to spend more time in the wildflower meadow sections of the mountain if you include Augsperger in the hike as opposed to doing an out-and-back on Dog Mountain Trail. This hike is definitely best done on a sunny day in May/June when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the views are clear and unobstructed by clouds.